Journalist Don Lemon disclosed a narrow escape from danger near Rihanna’s Beverly Hills residence during a recent shooting incident. Speaking at the 12th Annual Better Brothers Los Angeles Truth Awards, Lemon explained that he planned to stay with a friend close to the singer’s home but changed plans due to the Los Angeles marathon.
The Shooting Incident
Rihanna’s property came under fire earlier this month while the singer, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three young children—sons RZA, 3, and Riot, 2, plus five-month-old daughter Rocki—her mother, and two staff members were present. The attack also targeted a neighboring home. No one suffered injuries, though officials note Rihanna and Rocky could easily have been struck.
Charges Against Ivanna Lisette Ortiz
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced charges against 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, including one count of attempted murder, ten counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and three counts of shooting into an inhabited dwelling. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison.
Hochman detailed that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were in an Airstream trailer on the property at the time. The ten assault counts account for each person in the potential line of fire, while the dwelling charges cover Rihanna’s two structures and the neighbor’s residence.
Ortiz’s arraignment is scheduled for March 26. Judge Theresa McGonigle set bail at $1,875,000 and issued a protective order requiring Ortiz to avoid Rihanna and Rocky, along with surrendering all firearms.
Investigation and Background
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the motive remains unclear, with the Robbery-Homicide Division continuing its probe. Ortiz previously posted online messages targeting Rihanna, including criticisms, threats, and references to the singer’s death. She also has prior arrests in Florida for domestic violence, careless driving, and violating pretrial release conditions.
Lemon’s Revelation
“I’m glad that Rihanna is okay after that crazy s**t happened at her house,” Lemon said. “Probably no one knows this, but I have a friend that lives very near Rihanna and I could have been there, because I was here in LA and we were supposed to stay with that friend. And it was frightening. And the friend had like damage to her house.”
He attributed avoiding the area to traffic from the marathon, opting instead for a direct trip to the airport. “It’s really scary,” Lemon added. “It’s so random. And I know it’s a cliche but life is really precious and you never know, so you need to celebrate every single day.”
Recently, Lemon shared a selfie with Rihanna celebrating his 60th birthday, captioning it amid the incident’s shadow. Separately, Lemon faces charges from a January protest disrupting a St. Paul church service against ICE operations; he has pleaded not guilty.
